--- description: If you are looking for the highest level representation available for your Waldorf car accident, contact us today for a free consultation. title: Car Accident Attorney Waldorf, MD - Chaikin & Sherman --- Car Accident Attorney Waldorf, MD - Chaikin & Sherman # Car Accident Attorney Waldorf, MD Last Updated: November 18, 2025 Reading Time: 8 minutes Trusted Content Legally Reviewed by Allan Siegel Updated 7 months ago [Home](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) » [Washington DC Car Accident Lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) » Car Accident Attorney Waldorf, MD What's On This Page [Case Results](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/case-results/) $18.8 Million Car Crash $2 Million Car Crash $1.9 Million Car Crash $1.37 Million Car Crash $1.1 Million Car Crash $1 Million Car Crash [View All Practice Areas](https://chaikinandsherman.com/practice-areas/) [Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) They were adamant about getting me the best settlement. Torkwase Akinalana Car Accidents Proved to be the perfect advocate Michael Bizik Car Accidents I highly recommend the law firm of Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata, and Siegel P.C. Anna Pastel-Powell Car Crash Mr. Siegel’s strong conviction, dedication, and determination prevailed in a legal victory. Gail Payne Car Accidents I knew I was in good hands once I stepped into their office. Gladys Ibeh Car Accidents They treated me like I was their only client, from beginning to end. Joy Lopez Car Accidents Contact Us Today! "*" indicates required fields Name* First Last Name* Last Email** Phone*Are you a new client?*Are you a new client? *Yes, I'm a potential new client.No, I'm a current existing client.I'm neitherCase TypeCase TypeMotor Vehicle AccidentSlip & FallAssaultMedical MalpracticeAbuseWork InjuryOtherWere You at Fault?Were You At Fault?NoYesUnknownWhere Did The Incident Occur?Where Did The Incident Occur?Washington, D.C.VirginiaMarylandOtherDid The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?Did The Accident Occur In the Last Two Years?YesNoShare Brief Description of the Incident* Watch our attorneys explain how they fight for car accident victims across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. With over $1 billion recovered, our team knows how to build a winning case — from investigation through trial. Video Transcript **Speakers:** Ira Sherman, Joseph Cammarata, Stephen Ollar, Allan Siegel **Ira Sherman (00:02):** I would say that Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata and Siegel has a completely different outlook on cases that other people think are garden variety automobile accidents, because to the person who is involved in that accident, that’s not garden variety, that’s altering their life. **Joseph Cammarata (00:21):** First of all, we don’t advertise. People come to us by word of mouth, either from defense lawyers, from insurance companies, from colleagues at the bar. They know that we have decades of experience in the personal injury field. They know that what we bring to bear is a group of lawyers that work and non-lawyers that work as a team to make sure we understand what the nature and the extent of the injury is. We make sure we understand and can express to a third party just what those injuries are, and we work to obtain the most compensation that we can for an individual. **Stephen Ollar (01:04):** What we do a lot of is discovery, not just discovery of the facts of the case, but discovery about insurance. It may be that the individual was operating the vehicle for an employer, and if they were acting with what we call the course and scope of their employment, then there could be potentially additional coverage that would cover a person for those injuries. **Allan Siegel (01:27):** We’ve been handling car accident cases since Don Chaikin founded this firm over 50 years ago. Since we spend a lot of time and we have a lot of those cases, we have developed a level of experience and knowledge that I think is very unique in our field. There aren’t many law firms who can say that they’ve been doing this type of work for over 50 years. **Ira Sherman (01:52):** I care enough to look to determine who this person is and how it affected them, and that takes up a lot of my conversation with our clients. ## Waldorf Car Accident Lawyer If you have been injured in a car accident, you may wonder what to do next. It would help if you found a good car accident lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve. The [car accident attorneys](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/) with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. are dedicated to helping personal injury victims get the best possible outcome in their case. We have years of experience handling auto accident cases and know how to get results.[ Contact us](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) today for a free consultation. ## What Should I Do if I am in a Car Accident? Suppose you have been in a car accident. In that case, it is essential to seek medical treatment immediately, even if you do not feel injured. You should also exchange information with the other driver involved in the accident, including name, address, phone number, insurance company, and policy number. Then call a car accident lawyer to help you [file a claim](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/insurance-claim/). ### **How to Avoid Getting Into a Car Accident** To avoid a car accident, you should never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs and ensure you are well-rested before getting behind the wheel. It is also essential to follow all traffic laws, such as speed limits, stop signs, and yield signs. In addition, wearing your seatbelt will reduce the likelihood of suffering life-altering injuries. However, seatbelt use will not prevent all injuries. Many people suffer serious injuries, even when wearing a seatbelt. Sometimes the seat belt itself can cause an injury. ## What Kind of Personal Injury Attorney Do I Need for My Case? If you have been injured in a car accident, you need to find a good car accident lawyer who can help you get the [compensation](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/common-myths-about-compensation-and-car-accidents/) you deserve. A car accident lawyer is an attorney who focuses their practice on representing clients who have been injured in auto accidents. They know the law and how to get results for their clients. You should see if the lawyer you are evaluating has good reviews online. You should see if they are rated by services that rate lawyers, such as Washingtonian Magazine, Superlawyers, Best Lawyers, and U.S. News and World Reports. ### **How Much Will a Maryland Car Accident Attorney Charge?** Most car accident lawyers in Waldorf, Maryland, offer free initial consultations and do not charge a fee unless they win your case. They will be paid on [contingency](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contingency-fees/), meaning their cost is usually a percentage of what you recover from the other driver or insurance company responsible for the accident. ## What Type of Claim Should I File? Here are some of the claims car accident victims can file after a car accident - A property damage claim is for damage to your vehicle. - A [personal injury claim](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/filing-a-personal-injury-claim/) is for injuries you suffer due to the accident. - A [wrongful death](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/wrongful-death/) claim is for damages suffered by a person who died due to a car accident. ### **How Long Does it Take to Settle a Maryland Car Accident Claim?** The [time it takes to settle](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/how-long-does-a-personal-injury-claim-take/) a car accident claim depends on several factors, including the extent of your injuries and whether or not there are any disputes about who is at fault for the accident. It also depends on your available insurance coverage and what type of policy (i.e., liability, uninsured motorist coverage, etc.). Car accident claims can be settled within a few months or can take a few years. ### **What is the Statute of Limitations in Maryland?** The [statute of limitations](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/maryland-personal-injury-statute-of-limitations/) is the time you have to file a lawsuit after an accident. In Maryland, the statute of limitations for car accident injury cases is three years. This means you have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. ## What Type of Compensation Can I Receive for My Waldorf, Maryland, Car Accident Injuries? If you have been injured in a car accident, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries. It is crucial to speak with a car accident lawyer to find out what type of [damages you may be able to recover](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/what-can-you-sue-for-in-a-car-accident/). These include economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages. [Contact](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) the Maryland car accident attorneys with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. today to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Our experienced car accident lawyers can help you understand your legal rights and options. ### **Non-Economic Damages** Non-economic damages are typically awarded in cases where the car accident injury is severe or permanent. These include pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement (scarring or other cosmetic changes), mental anguish, and loss of consortium (relationship with a spouse). ### **Economic Damages** Economic damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage can be easily quantified. ### **Punitive Damages** Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant’s conduct was particularly egregious, reckless, and done with an evil motive. Punitive damages are meant to punish the defendant and deter them from engaging in similar behavior again. Punitive damages are not common in car accident cases. Still, they may be available in Maryland if you show that the other driver acted maliciously. ## What Should I Do If My Car is Damaged? Suppose your car has been damaged in a car accident. In that case, you should call your insurance company to report the damage and request an estimate. You may also want to call a mechanic for another opinion on what needs repair or replacement before filing a claim if there is any dispute about how much it will cost. ### **What Should I Do If the Other Driver Was at Fault for the Accident and No One Was Injured?** Suppose the other driver was at fault for the accident, and no one was injured. In that case, you can file a claim with their insurance company without hiring an attorney. However, it is always a good idea to speak with one of the Maryland car accident lawyers with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. to find out your options and get advice on how to proceed. ## What Should I Say to the Negligent Driver’s Insurance Company After the Collision? You should tell the negligent driver’s insurance company you do not want to give a statement until you have spoken with an attorney. Speaking with our Maryland car accident attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. before speaking to anyone from another party’s insurance company, including their adjuster or lawyer, is always a good idea. ### **Can I File a Car Accident Lawsuit If the Other Driver Was Uninsured?** Yes, you can file a car accident lawsuit even [if the other driver was uninsured](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/car-accident-without-insurance/). You can recover money from your insurance company or the Maryland Automobile Insurance Fund. ### **Should I Accept a Settlement from My Insurer?** You should not take an unfair car accident insurance settlement. You can negotiate with the insurance company for a higher amount. Still, it is usually best to contact a lawyer to help you through this process and ensure your rights are protected—our Maryland car accident attorneys at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. are here to help you negotiate with the insurance company and fight for a fair settlement that covers the full extent of your damages and losses. ## Should I Admit Fault for My Car Accident to the Insurance Company? You should never admit fault for your car accident unless you are sure that you were, in fact, at fault. Even if it appears obvious who was at fault, other factors may have contributed to the collision. It is always a good idea to speak with a car accident attorney before making any statements that could be used against you in court. ### **Can I Sue the Other Driver If I Was at Fault for the Car Accident?** It would be difficult for you to recover if you were at fault for the car accident. However, speaking with an attorney to determine if you were actually at fault is always a good idea. You may feel you could have done something to avoid the collision, but the law may provide that you were not at fault. ## Most Common Waldorf Car Accident Injuries Car accidents can cause a [wide range of injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/common-injuries/), including: - [Whiplash](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/whiplash-injury/) - [Concussions](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/brain-injuries/concussions/) - [Back](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/back-injuries/) and [neck injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/neck-injuries/) - [Spinal cord injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/spine-injuries/) - [Brain injuries](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/brain-injuries/) - [Fatalities](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/fatal-car-crashes/) ### **How Seriously Do My Injuries Need to Be to Pursue a Car Accident Claim?** The seriousness of your injuries is one factor determining whether or not you should pursue a car accident claim. If your injuries are minor, pursuing a claim may not make economic sense. Generally, you must at least have suffered some physical injury to file a claim. However, suppose you have suffered emotional distress as a result of the accident. In that case, you should discuss with a [personal injury lawyer](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/waldorf-md-personal-injury-lawyer/) whether you can pursue a claim for non-economic damages (i.e., pain and suffering). ## Common Causes of Waldorf Car Accidents - [Distracted driving](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/distracted-driving/) - [Drunk driving](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/drunk-driving-accidents/) - [Speeding](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/excessive-speed/) - Reckless driving - Tailgating - Failing to yield ## Why Should I Hire Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. for My Waldorf Car Accident Case? The Waldorf, MD, car accident lawyers with Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. have a proven track record of success in helping clients obtain the maximum compensation possible for injuries they have suffered due to the negligence of others. Our firm has consistently demonstrated we have the expertise needed to help our clients see that justice is served. We have the resources to perform thorough investigations of all the circumstances contributing to a motor vehicle accident, gathering the evidence to establish liability and negligence. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. has achieved more than $500 million in verdicts and settlements. Our attorneys have more than a century of combined legal experience. Two of our partners are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Our firm has also earned the highest AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®, the most respected attorney-ranking service organization in the United States. Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. attorneys work passionately on behalf of our clients to help them secure fair compensation. No type of case is too complex for us to litigate. ### **We Get Results** Here are some of the car accident cases we have obtained settlements: - $6 million for a client who suffered a brain injury after a rear-end collision. - $4.8 million for a severely injured client after another vehicle struck his motorcycle. - $1.9 million for a client who suffered a permanent back injury due to a car accident. - $1.5 million for a client who had to undergo multiple surgeries after a negligent motorist cut off his motorcycle. - $1 million settlement was obtained on behalf of our 19-year-old client, who was a passenger in a car in which the driver lost control, causing a collision. As a result, our client suffered extensive brain damage with cognitive impairment. He was in a coma for an extended period. Although he has regained consciousness, he is unable to care for himself. The law firm asked the court to appoint him a guardian to care for him. The law firm is helping to establish a special needs trust so that the proceeds from the settlement will be protected against any medical liens. - $1 million settlement on behalf of the client who suffered a brain injury when the driver of the car in which he was a passenger lost control of his vehicle. ## Contact a Waldorf Personal Injury Lawyer Today If you are looking for the highest level of representation available for your personal injury case, turn to [Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C.](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/) Our firm has helped clients recover more than $500 million in compensation. We have more than 100 years of combined experience. Washington, D.C. Super Lawyers® recognize all of our partners. Our firm includes three past presidents of the Trial Lawyers Association of Metropolitan Washington, D.C. We work to help our clients obtain fair settlement offers to compensate them for the injuries they’ve suffered. Our attorneys are extremely well-equipped to go to trial if needed. Call (202) 659-8600 or[ contact us online](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/contact-us/) to get the proven legal representation you deserve. Our support team stays open 24 hours, 7 days a week, offering constant accessibility. ## [Watch Our Video Testimonials](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/blog/testimonials-hub/) Get free advice about the compensation you deserve. At Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., our car accident attorneys fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve, handling every aspect of your case to protect your rights. Trust us to stand by you and advocate aggressively on your behalf. Speak to a Specialist Visit Us in Person 1232 17th St NW Washington, DC 20036 The car accident lawyers at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C. serve the entire Washington, D.C. metro area, including [Virginia](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/virginia/) ([Northern Virginia car accident cases](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/northern-virginia/), [Arlington](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/auto-accident-attorneys-in-arlington-va/), [Fairfax County auto accident claims](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/fairfax/), [Woodbridge](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/woodbridge-va/), [Manassas](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/manassas-va/), and [Alexandria](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/alexandria/)) and Maryland ([Bethesda](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/bethesda/), [Hyattsville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/hyattsville/), [Rockville](https://www.chaikinandsherman.com/car-accidents/rockville/), Lau Top 10 Mistakes Made After an Accident Review these common auto accident mistakes to protect your rights. READ OUR E-BOOK Meet Our Team Learn More About Us Ira Sherman Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and New York With over four decades of courtroom experience, **Ira Sherman** is a powerhouse trial lawyer who has won justice for countless victims of serious injury, discrimination, and medical malpractice. Known for his relentless advocacy, compassion, and proven results, he’s the attorney clients trust when everything is on the line. Ira Sherman's Bio Joseph Cammarata Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia A dual board-certified civil trial attorney, **Joseph Cammarata** is nationally recognized for his fierce advocacy, landmark legal victories, and relentless pursuit of justice for victims of serious injury, wrongful death, sexual assault, and civil rights violations. With wins against powerful opponents—including a historic U.S. Supreme Court case securing equal access to justice—he’s the attorney clients trust when they need skill, strength, and results that matter. Joe Cammarata's Bio Allan M. Siegel​ Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Allan M. Siegel** is a board-certified trial attorney and partner at Chaikin, Sherman, Cammarata & Siegel, P.C., known for securing justice in serious personal injury, brain injury, and wrongful death cases. Recognized as one of Washington’s *Top 100 Super Lawyers®* and a *Best Lawyer®* in America, he combines strategic precision, courtroom skill, and relentless advocacy to win full and fair compensation for his clients. Allan Siegel's Bio Stephen Ollar Partner Licensed in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia **Stephen Ollar** is an award-winning trial attorney and U.S. Army veteran dedicated to holding negligent individuals and corporations accountable. Recognized as a *Super Lawyers Rising Star* from 2020–2025, he’s known for his tenacity, precision, and unwavering pursuit of justice in personal injury, auto accident, and medical malpractice cases. 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